Yes, Target accepts Apple Pay in stores and online

Target takes Apple Pay at every checkout — both in physical stores and on their website and mobile app. You can use Apple Pay on any iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch that has the wallet set up. In stores, you tap or hold your device near the contactless reader at the register. Online and in the Target app, you select Apple Pay as your payment method during checkout.

Target has supported contactless payments since 2020, when they upgraded their registers to accept NFC (near-field communication) technology. Apple Pay uses that same technology, so it works seamlessly alongside other contactless options like Google Pay and contactless credit cards.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pay works at Target checkout in stores, on Target.com, and in the Target mobile app without any special setup beyond what you already have on your device.
  • In-store, you hold your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch near the contactless reader — no card or ID needed.
  • Online and in the app, Apple Pay appears as a payment option during the final checkout step.
  • Target's registers have supported contactless payments since 2020, so the technology is available at all locations nationwide.

How to use Apple Pay in a Target store

Open the Wallet app on your iPhone or iPad before you reach the register, or raise your Apple Watch to wake it. When the cashier tells you the total, hold your device a few inches from the contactless reader — it usually sits on top of the pin pad or on the counter. You will see a checkmark appear on your screen and hear a beep when the payment goes through. The whole transaction takes about two seconds.

If you are using an iPhone with Face ID, the device may ask you to look at the screen to authenticate the payment. Older iPhones with Touch ID will ask you to place your finger on the home button. Apple Watch payments authenticate automatically if you are wearing the watch. You do not need to enter a PIN or sign anything.

If the contactless reader does not respond, ask the cashier if they can process it as a regular card transaction instead — Target's system will accept Apple Pay through the chip reader as a backup, though this takes longer.

Using Apple Pay on Target.com and the Target app

Add your payment method to Apple Pay on your device before you shop. When you reach checkout on Target.com or in the Target app, look for Apple Pay as a payment option — it usually appears alongside credit card and other methods. Tap or click Apple Pay, and your device will ask you to authenticate using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Watch.

Target will then use the default card stored in your Apple Pay wallet. If you want to use a different card, you can change your default payment method in your device's Wallet settings before you check out. The payment processes when ready, and you will see a confirmation screen with your order number.

What happens if Apple Pay does not work

If the contactless reader at a Target register does not recognize your device, the most common reason is that your Wallet app is not set up correctly or your device's NFC is turned off. On iPhone, NFC is always on when Wallet is active — you cannot turn it off separately. On iPad, make sure you are using an iPad model that supports Apple Pay (iPad Air 2 or newer, or iPad mini 4 or newer).

If you see an error message on your device, try these steps in order: first, make sure your card has not expired in the Wallet app. Second, check that your device has enough battery — Apple Pay requires at least 1 percent charge. Third, ask the cashier to try the contactless reader again, as the device may have been out of range. If none of these work, you can pay with a physical card or another method instead.

Which Target locations accept Apple Pay

All Target stores in the United States accept Apple Pay. The company completed the upgrade to contactless-capable registers across all locations by 2021. Target also accepts Apple Pay at their drive-up pickup service, where you can tap your device from your car window.

Target's website and mobile app accept Apple Pay everywhere they ship, which covers all 50 states. If you are shopping at a Target in another country, check with that location first — international Target stores may have different payment systems.

Apple Pay versus other payment methods at Target

Target accepts Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and contactless credit or debit cards — all of which use the same NFC technology and work identically at the register. The main difference is which device or card you use. Apple Pay is faster than entering a PIN or signature because authentication happens on your device, not at the register.

Target also accepts traditional credit cards, debit cards, cash, checks, Target Circle card, and Target's own credit card. If you have a Target Circle membership, you can earn rewards on any payment method, including Apple Pay. There is no discount or penalty for choosing one payment method over another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Target account to use Apple Pay?

No. Apple Pay works at Target checkout whether you have a Target account or not. If you want to track your purchase history or earn Target Circle rewards, you can link your account after you check out, but it is not required to complete the transaction.

Can I use Apple Pay to pay my Target credit card bill?

No. Apple Pay is only for in-store and online purchases at Target. To pay your Target credit card bill, you must log into your account on Target.com or call the number on the back of your card. You can use Apple Pay to make a purchase with your Target credit card, but not to pay the balance owed.

What if my Apple Pay card is declined at Target?

If your card is declined, the most common reasons are insufficient funds, an expired card, or a fraud alert from your bank. Contact your card issuer to confirm the card is active and has available balance. You can then try Apple Pay again, or ask the cashier to process a different payment method.

Does Target charge a fee for using Apple Pay?

No. Target does not charge you any extra fee for paying with Apple Pay. The transaction costs the same as paying with a physical card. Your bank or card issuer may have their own fees, but those explore to any payment method, not just Apple Pay.

Can I use Apple Pay for Target gift cards?

Yes. You can buy Target gift cards with Apple Pay both in stores and online. You can also use Apple Pay to reload a Target gift card that you already own at any register or through the Target app.